The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has expressed confidence in the country’s readiness for the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup, with officials insisting both the men’s and women’s teams are well prepared to compete for honours when the tournament serves off from July 3 to 7 in Badagry, Lagos State.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the championship on Friday, NVBF Second Vice President and board member, Architect Adamu Tanimu, said the federation had made significant progress in improving the standard of volleyball in Nigeria, with the ongoing Nigeria Volleyball Premier League playing a key role in identifying players for international competitions.
Key Highlights:
- NVBF expresses confidence ahead of the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup.
- Improved Premier League strengthens Nigeria’s national teams.
- Women’s team qualifies; men’s team eyes Zone 3 ticket.
- Federation seeks more corporate partnerships.
- Players call for better welfare and healthcare.
As the fourth phase of the league approaches its conclusion, Tanimu described this season as one of the best in the federation’s history, noting that the return of several Nigerian professionals from overseas had greatly enhanced the quality of the competition.
“We’ve not had it this way before. Most importantly, the quality of the league has tremendously improved, and we have the presence of so many players who are professionals in different parts of the world that have come here to grace our league,” he said.
According to him, the league also achieved one of its primary objectives by providing a platform to identify players capable of representing Nigeria at continental events.
“We were very conscious of the need to get players that will represent Nigeria in our international competitions. The league has provided that platform, and I can assure Nigerians that we have successfully selected players we believe can adequately represent the country.”
Tanimu disclosed that preparations for the men’s Zone 3 qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire were already underway, with camping scheduled to begin in Abuja.
“We are very, very prepared. Our camping begins on Monday here in Abuja, and we have selected players who are in excellent shape to represent Nigeria.”
Providing an update on the beach volleyball teams, Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Mrs. Bolcit Amakri, said the athletes had been in camp since the previous week under the supervision of the national coaches.
“The players have been in camp since last week to ensure they are in top form. As of today, we are confident Nigeria will qualify for the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup,” she said.
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Amakri explained that the women’s team had already secured qualification after winning gold in Angola last December, while the men’s team would compete in the Zone 3 qualifying tournament.
“The female team has already qualified, and they are the same players who returned with gold from Angola. The men’s team will battle through the qualification tournament, and we are confident they will also qualify. The players will arrive in Badagry next week to continue preparations until the competition begins.”
Reflecting on the federation’s activities this year, Tanimu admitted that the death of one of Nigeria’s most respected volleyball referees in March disrupted the league calendar and forced the federation to adjust its plans.
“It was a rough moment for us as a federation. We had to either source our own finances or adjust the schedule. Despite the challenges, the board has continued to put measures in place to meet international standards.”
He said the federation had reviewed its operations to improve administration and players’ welfare in line with international best practices.
“I can beat my chest and say we have improved tremendously. We will continue to do more, especially in the Premier League. Sports is a big business, and we are calling on individuals, corporate organisations and partners to support us in taking Nigerian volleyball back to where it belongs.”
A players’ representative, Dauda Saje, commended the federation and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support but appealed for greater attention to athletes’ welfare, particularly in healthcare and financial assistance.
“We appreciate everything being done for volleyball, but there is still a need to improve players’ welfare, especially in healthcare and financial support. We pray that God gives us the strength to continue serving the country.”
The federation’s Technical Director, Martins Menlandi, also praised the leadership of the NVBF, saying the steady progress being recorded across competitions reflected the federation’s commitment to developing the sport.
Meanwhile, Amakri said the press briefing was organised to keep stakeholders informed about the federation’s programmes while highlighting the commercial opportunities available in volleyball.
She revealed that the federation’s digital platforms had attracted more than two million views and urged corporate organisations and private investors to partner with the NVBF to accelerate the growth of the sport.
“There are enormous opportunities for partnership. Our social media platforms have generated over two million views and continue to grow daily. We urge all Nigerians and corporate organisations to join hands with us for the development of volleyball and the country.”
The 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup will be held in Badagry, Lagos State, from July 3 to July 7, with Nigeria aiming to build on its recent successes and further establish itself among Africa’s leading beach volleyball nations.
